Working in cooperation with the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA), Extron and Middle Atlantic are seeking to establish and maintain a specific ECIA standard for what has typically been offered as a custom rack offering until now.

To further strengthen the quality and application of the standard, the two companies are inviting manufacturers of compact-format devices to join a communication and working group for this effort.

Both manufacturers have recently developed product families – the Extron Half Rack Shelf System and Middle Atlantic’s new HR Series Half Racks – which, respectively, fit within and incorporate the proposed 10 5/8-inch overall width defined in the proposed new standard.

“We are pleased to be working with device manufacturing partners to seize the initiative for establishing an ECIA standard for AV half rack systems,” states Middle Atlantic director of marketing Kevin Handerson. “Having a workable, clear standard will greatly facilitate the installation of half rack products in useful applications.”

Dave Pincek, vice president of product development for Extron Electronics, adds “Extron has long advocated the use of standard, rack-mount enclosure dimensions as a means of improving AV system designs and integration. With this proposed new standard for a compact mounting system, key AV equipment can now be more easily integrated into lecterns, columns, table legs, and similar spaces without sacrificing system functionality, thermal management, or room aesthetics.”

Device manufacturers that would like to participate in the working group should contact Mark Tracy, director of product and business development at Middle Atlantic Products, using the email address .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).